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Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Apple Cider Turkey Brine

This sweet, fragrant apple cider brine infuses your turkey with deep moisture and soulful flavor before it ever hits the oven. A simple soak turns any bird into a tender, juicy holiday showstopper!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Brine, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern Food
Servings: 10
Calories: 124kcal
Author: Shaunda Necole • The Soul Food Pot®

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Reusable straining bag or strainer with a handle
  • Turkey roasting pan

Ingredients

  • 8 cups water
  • 5 apples quartered (You can use a mix of tart and sweet if you like – i.e., Granny Smith, Gala, Red Delicious)
  • 1 orange with the peel on, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger chopped or minced
  • 1 ½ tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 pomegranate quartered
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  • Place a large stockpot with water on the stove over medium heat.
  • Add the apples and brown sugar to the pot, leaving the lid off.
  • In a strainer bag, combine the cloves, ginger, cinnamon sticks, pomegranate, and orange. Tighten the bag’s strings and place it in the pot.
  • Allow the mixture to come to a simmer (a gentle heat, softer than a low boil) for 40 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is finished, remove the strainer bag and scoop out the apples.
  • Transfer the apple cider brine into a deep-dish roasting pan with the turkey.
  • Roast the turkey in the apple cider brine, basting it with the pan juices every 20 to 30 minutes.

Video

Notes

 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 217mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

❤️ Why trust this recipe?

Created + tested by Shaunda Necole, creator of The Soul Food Pot® (real cook, real kitchen). Rooted in African American culinary traditions, with modern shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor or legacy. No AI-generated instructions — measurements, timing, and techniques are written, cooked, and verified by Shaunda. Make-it-your-way guidance included, so you can cook confidently with the tools you have.

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